Manchester City injected life into the Premier League title race by moving within three points of leaders Arsenal after a convincing 3-0 victory over Fulham.
Pep Guardiola, who has never lost to opposite number Marco Silva, promised improvement pre-match after accepting City rarely deliver complete performances - his side responded by racing into a 3-0 lead before half-time.
Antoine Semenyo was gifted an easy opener, his fifth since his January move from Bournemouth, and the hosts never looked back. Nico O'Reilly scored a well-taken second six minutes later before Phil Foden teed up Erling Haaland, who was withdrawn at half-time, to put the result well beyond Fulham in the miserable Manchester rain. A rather fitting reflection of Fulham's dismal display.
Silva's side picked up the pace after the break and at least battled in the head-to-head duels, but were no match for City's immense finishing power. Guardiola's side are intent on making it as difficult as possible for Arsenal to lay claim to their first league honours for over 20 years, and the race remains tantalisingly poised.
The Gunners have the chance to respond at Brentford on Thursday night, but for now, the gap at the top is just three.
'Fairytale' start for Semenyo
Antoine Semenyo to TNT Sports on his start at Man City:
"No secrets. It's just being part of a great team, environment, the coach has been great and they've made it easy for me to settle. It's all a fairytale right now.
"We had to back up what we did at the weekend. Being in a title race is new to me but I'm enjoying it, it comes with a lot of pressure and demands but we've got the team to do it. 12 games to go, let's keep going."
